King University News :: Virgin Island Students Find Second Home at King University

BRISTOL, Tenn., Feb. 6, 2014 – Through the years, global citizenship has been a part
of the King University community. From across the United States and the globe, students
come together and develop a broadened awareness and appreciation of diverse cultures.

In 2013, a total of 67 students from six continents and 29 countries made the decision
to travel to the U.S. and attend King. Each student’s decision to choose King is different,
whether for academics, athletics, or the one-on-one personalized attention for which
King is known. Within those countries, four students in particular have similar roots
– Rochelle Fredrick (’17), Michael Jimenez (‘17), TJ Thompson (’17), and Ajani George
(’16). All hail from the U.S. Territory of the Virgin Islands, with Fredrick, Thompson,
and George residing in the Virgin Islands their entire lives, while Jimenez, who originally
hails from the Dominican Republic, has lived in St. Thomas for the past nine years.

Reaching out to the students from the various territories was an idea sparked by Regional
Director of Tri-Cities for Enrollment Management, Elvin Browne, who himself is originally
from the Virgin Islands.

“I wanted to create an opportunity for students who are U.S. citizens hailing from
the territories to be able to come across the seas and go to school,” Browne said.
“I remember growing up as a child - it was a dream to travel to the United States
mainland for a quality education.”

Coming to the United States was a big adjustment for the students, who grew up in
the Virgin Islands. When asked what the biggest difference between small town Bristol,
Tenn., and a country like the Virgin Islands, Frederick summed it up perfectly.

“My favorite thing about King has to be its campus. I love the hills and all the trees
and the fact that there’s this amazing view of the surrounding mountains. The climate
is great too, as it is the closest I’ve ever come to experiencing a true change in
seasons,” Frederick said. “After just a few days [of being on campus] I found myself
loving the school’s atmosphere.”

Frederick and Thompson plan to pursue careers in Political Science, Jimenez is majoring
in Forensic Science, and George is considering Athletic Training or Sports Management.

“The teachers and the other staff care a lot about the students; they assist me in
everything I need,” said Jimenez. She added, “I also like the display of the campus.
It is beautiful. It is absolutely nice.”

When asked about what it meant to have such a diverse range of students on campus,
George’s answer was short and sweet.

“It’s a good thing to have diversity and to have the opportunity to get to know people
on campus. Coming to King University and Bristol has been a great thing, and for that,
I know I’ve been forever changed.”

Browne commented, “I feel we’ve tapped into an excellent location with a lot of interest
in all the advantages that King has to offer. The response has been positive.”

Thompson describes King’s size and location as being the “perfect option for [his]
new home. King University is an institution of higher learning like no other. Although
the school may be small, it has a big impact on one’s educational and personal life.
It is not only the teachers that want you to succeed but the faculty, staff, and even
the cafeteria lady would like to see you be successful. Additionally, the southern
hospitality provided at King University will make anyone feel as if they are at home.”

To learn more about international recruitment, contact Director of Undergraduate Recruitment
and Admissions Elvin Browne at 800.362.0014 or eabrowne@king.edu or visit www.king.edu.

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King University is a Presbyterian, doctoral-level comprehensive university. Founded in 1867 as King
College, the University offers more than 90 majors, minors, pre-professional degrees
and concentrations in fields such as business, nursing, law, medical and health sciences,
pharmacy, education, and humanities.Graduate programs are offered in business administration,
education, and nursing.A number of research, off-campus learning opportunities, and
travel destinations are also available. King University is a NCAA Division II and
a Conference Carolinas member with 25 varsity sports. For more information about
King University, visit www.king.edu. King University does not discriminate against academically qualified students of
any race, color, national or ethnic origin, sex, age, or disability.King University
is certified by SCHEV to operate locations in Virginia. For more information, contact
the King University office at Southwest Virginia Community College, 309 College Road,
Richlands, VA 24641.